The pollution of sea water by fecal materials became a public health problem in different parts of the world, and bathing in these polluted water usually make a hazards of acquiring infection. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the infections acquired post bathing in the Mediterranean Sea water in Gaza Strip, and to find out the risk factors which may facilitate the acquiring infections. During 2011, different age groups of the sea water visitors completed a follow up interview to study the effect of water pollution on their health. In addition, the water quality was evaluated by making analysis for the fecal indicator bacteria. Ninety one participants reported symptoms (male/female ratio was 1.8). Eye infection rate was 25%, skin infection 21%, urinary tract infection 20.0%, gastroenteritis 17.7% and ear infection16.5%. Water analysis showed that the total mean coliform value had a range of 226-1901, Fecal coliform 92-390 CFU, Fecal Streptococci 60-195 CFU, Staphylococcus aureus 171-440 CFU and Pseudomonas 2.1-5.6 CFU, The percentage of samples exceeding European Union standard permissible limit were 51.1% for total coliform, 66.6 % for fecal coliform and 36.2% for fecal Streptococci. The risk factors associated with acquiring infections were Sea bathing period (> 60 minutes), age group (1-10 years) and duration of visiting beaches more than two times per week (Odds ratio 1.9, P-value 0.011). In conclusion, the swimming and bathing in polluted sea water in Gaza Strip could be a risk for acquiring different type of illnesses.
Key words: Fecal indicator bacteria, polluted water, risk factors, water borne diseases.
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